Development Associate, Annual Giving

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, dedicated to preserving the natural world and addressing the most pressing environmental challenges. Established in 1961, WWF operates in over 100 countries and has a global network of more than 5 million supporters. The organization focuses on various conservation efforts, including wildlife protection, habitat preservation, and climate change mitigation, striving to create a sustainable future for both people and nature. WWF employs thousands of individuals worldwide, working collaboratively with local communities, governments, and businesses to achieve its mission of building a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.

Job Overview:
The Development Associate, Annual Giving plays a crucial role in supporting WWF’s Partners in Conservation and Leadership Partner mid-level donor programs. This position involves a blend of mass-market communications and managed donor relationships, reporting directly to the Director of Annual Giving. The Development Associate will be integral to the team’s comprehensive fundraising and stewardship efforts, which include managing donor correspondence, resolving inquiries, and facilitating direct response mail and email communications. The role requires a strong commitment to WWF’s mission, along with exceptional communication, customer service, and project management skills. The Development Associate will also be responsible for maintaining CRM database processes, assisting with budgeting and financial accountability, and acting as a liaison to other teams within the organization. This position is designed for a dynamic individual who can manage a stewardship portfolio of donors while contributing to the overall success of the fundraising team.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Development Associate will have a diverse set of responsibilities, primarily focused on donor communications and correspondence, which will account for 60% of their time. This includes managing donor inquiry processes to efficiently resolve requests or route them to the appropriate teams within WWF. The Associate will create donor-facing responses and follow up via email, phone, and mail, ensuring all relevant information is accurately entered into the CRM database. They will collaborate with Annual Giving officers to maintain a targeted portfolio of donors, supporting solicitation and stewardship activities, and ensuring all correspondence adheres to WWF’s approved language and is free from grammatical errors. For 20% of their time, the Associate will develop processes and protocols for data management to support team activities, including marketing effort segmentation, report preparation, and data reconciliation. They will maintain accurate donor data records, review and validate collected data, and ensure proper handling of gift documentation. Financial accountability and team support will take up 15% of their responsibilities, which includes preparing expense reports, reviewing and coding invoices, and assisting with travel arrangements for donor meetings. The remaining 5% of their time will be dedicated to performing other duties as assigned, showcasing their flexibility and adaptability to the team's needs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree and have 2 to 4 years of specific experience in donor relations. Experience with a CRM (Constituent Relationship Management) system is required, with familiarity in BlackBaud CRM or similar database systems preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools, and other workplace software is essential, particularly the ability to manipulate, analyze, and interpret data. Excellent oral communication skills are necessary, along with the ability to proof, edit, and finalize written correspondence. Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail are critical, as is the capacity to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines with minimal supervision. Candidates should demonstrate flexibility in changing situations and the ability to balance competing demands and priorities. Experience in planning and coordinating projects and meetings is beneficial, with familiarity in event planning considered a plus. A high standard of ethics is required, ensuring discreet handling of donor records and adherence to the Association of Fundraising Professionals Donor Bill of Rights.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree is required for this position, providing a foundational understanding of the principles of donor relations and fundraising. The educational background should ideally include coursework or training related to nonprofit management, communications, or a related field that supports the skills necessary for effective donor engagement and relationship management.

Experience:
The position requires 2 to 4 years of specific experience in donor relations, indicating that candidates should have a solid understanding of the dynamics of fundraising and donor engagement. Experience using a CRM system is essential, as it plays a critical role in managing donor relationships and data integrity. Familiarity with project management and organizational skills is also necessary, as the role involves coordinating various tasks and projects within the development team.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with donors and stakeholders. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they align with WWF’s global outreach efforts and donor demographics.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Washington, D.C., and follows a hybrid work structure, requiring a minimum of 2 days a week in the office. The salary range for this position is between $56,700 and $70,90

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., and this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. In compliance with federal law, all hired individuals will need to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States upon hire. The organization promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of various characteristics protected under applicable law.